Barrel Racers Already Sighted In On 2025 The American

Originally posted on Rodeo on SI | By Madi Roelofsen | Last updated Jan 28, 2024 11:58 AM ET

Glen Rose, TEXAS- The 2024 American Rodeo has not even happened yet, but that doesn't stop these barrel racers from thinking ahead to next year.

At the Somerville County Expo Center in Glen Rose, Texas the very first Central Region qualifier for the American was January 27th. The stands were full of barrel racing fans eager to watch the 35 racers give a go to make it to the next step towards that massive American Rodeo payout.

Due to the number of entries in the qualifier, only the top five runners would earn a spot at the 2025 Central Region Semifinals and it was an absolute knife-fight. The sheer speed, talented jockies and horsepower was incredible. The crowd was on the edge of their seat with every turn of a barrel.

Nearing the end of the race, in fact, the second to last drag, an incredible four out of five athletes ended up positioning themselves in the top five overall, including the ultimate winner, Taylor Gessley.

Gessley and her horse, TS Bullyfrosted Fame, threw down a stunning run of 14.760 seconds. This was their second time to qualfiy for an American Semi-finals, which was a goal Gessley set for this year.

"Tonight's run I went in with a clear mind set, knowing that I had worked hard on a few things that we had been struggling with," said Gessley. "This mare has been such a dream come true, that's why her barn name is Dreamer."

Coming in second, not far behind Gessley, was Emma Abbott on Elm Creek Chrome with a 14.868 second run. Abbot has an impressive resume having already competed in prior American Semifinals and, after today's run she secured her spot to run in another.

Running the final sub-15 second run was Jett Petkovich on her cutting bred mare, Lady Jazarell, "Z". This dynamic duo qualified in this very same arena this past fall, but just missed making the short round of the American Northern Region Central Final when a tipped barrel took away hope.

"I was running against the best of the best at the semifinals but my friend reminded me I earned my spot here, too. That comment hadn't left my mind," said Petkovich. "I entered for the Glen Rose qualifier while still at the semifinals. My horse, God and support system got me here so I wanted to get back as soon as possible."

Redeption is what Petkovich found, qualifying in the third spot for the Central Region Semifinals.

In the fourth position was Jennifer Driver on Brookstone Jo with a 15.051. Rounding out the final qualifying spot was a tie between Alyssa Urbanek-Wade and Elly Lout. Both barrel racers will advance on to the Central Region Semifinals.

For full results and payout for the Glen Rose American Central Region qualifer go to Win More's website.

This article first appeared on Rodeo on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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